ISLAMABAD: Unprecedented security measures in the capital are gradually being strengthened ahead of peace talks between Iran and the United States, including the removal of security cabins outside houses located in the high-security zone.
The capital administration on Friday said a campaign had been launched to remove illegal cabins outside houses in the city.
It further stated that assistant commissioners issued reports on operations conducted in various areas. A total of 47 illegal cabins were removed from outside houses located in posh areas, including F-6, F-7, and F-10.
Police, the Capital Development Authority and the Directorate of Municipal Administration also participated in the operation.
Security enhanced in Islamabad ahead of expected US-Iran talks
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon directed the assistant commissioners to take indiscriminate action. Cabins are not allowed to be built outside houses, and encroachments of any kind will be cleared in all cases.
Sources in the capital administration and police said that cabins built for security guards outside houses, especially in the high-security zone, were being removed to avoid the presence of armed guards. Besides guards hired through security companies, residents had also employed guards directly.
The status of all private guards is not verified or clear, and, in view of the participation of VVIPs in the upcoming talks, the authorities are taking such steps to ensure security measures are up to the mark.
In another move, the capital administration and police shut down all inter-provincial bus terminals and cargo terminals in Islamabad, including Faizabad, Karachi Company, Pirwadhai, and Chongi No 26, last night. Before midnight, officials reached the terminals and asked operators to close their operations and vacate the vicinity.
They were further directed to suspend operations till April 26.
Police and administration officials, on condition of anonymity, confirmed the closure, saying directives in this regard were issued by higher authorities. However, no written order was issued, they added.
Later, the terminals were reopened around 2pm, and inter-provincial passenger movement resumed. After almost 14 hours, the capital administration and police issued separate denials, and operations at the terminals and bus services were restored.
At 2:30pm, the capital administration, in a statement, said all bus terminals were open as usual and all types of transport were operating normally. Similarly, the capital police, around 4pm, stated that inter-district transport in Islamabad was functioning as usual and there was no truth in reports of closure.
They added that prior notice would be given regarding any closure of terminals. Officials of the administration and police said a few locations, including Sohawa and Mandra, were under consideration for establishing temporary bus terminals.
Officials said a Tablighi Ijtema is scheduled to be held in Islamabad from April 24 to 26. Thousands of people from across the country are expected to attend the gathering and will arrive via trains and inter-provincial buses.
Meanwhile, a contingent of 4,000 Punjab police personnel arrived in Islamabad to assist the capital police with security arrangements during the event.
On the request of the capital police, 4,000 personnel reached Islamabad. Accommodation arrangements for the visiting force have been made at various locations, including the Sports Complex, two schools in F-7 and F-6, and the Security Division.
District police officers from Sahiwal, Sargodha, Layyah, Bhakkar, Toba Tek Singh, Mandi Bahauddin, Lodhran, and Chakwal, along with SSPs Operations from Faisalabad and Multan, arrived with teams comprising 100 armed personnel each, including two ASPs/DSPs, four SHOs, and logistics and vehicles.
The DIG Riot Management Police, along with 70 personnel and anti-riot equipment and vehicles, ADIG Elite and SP Elite with 100 elite teams and a Battalion Commander of the Police College with two DSPs and 100 armed personnel, also joined the deployment.
Additionally, 16 officers, including the Deputy Commandant Sihala, SSP RIB Sargodha, and SSP Operations Gujranwala, arrived with personnel and equipment.
Troops of Rangers and the Federal Constabulary are also being sought.
The force will be deployed at entry and exit points, pickets, sensitive areas, and important installations, in addition to patrolling duties.
Moreover, the capital has been placed on high alert. Combing and scanning of slums, wooded areas, and nullahs have been ordered. The Special Branch and CTD intelligence wing have been directed to enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering in these areas, as well as in the outskirts, bus terminals, and entry and exit points of the capital.
Hotels, inns, and guest houses have also been placed under strict surveillance, and local police stations have been directed to check records of guests and visitors, collect details, and verify their status.
Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026
